The Poplar Bluff School Board has approved a bid for the upcoming high school athletic complex.

Superintendent Chris Hon tells KWOC News that the low bid of approximately 5.8 million dollars was submitted by K&S Associates. The bid was around 1.8 million dollars over the estimate for the project with the additional money coming from reserve funds.

The bid was approved by a 4 to 3 vote.

DRIVERS ASKED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR STRIPING CREWS

Motorists are advised to be cautious of striping vehicles that will be out across Southeast Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, to help reduce the impact to traffic, striping in cities and towns will take place overnight. Striping work will begin at 6 pm, with work ending at 4:30 am each day.

Drivers should be prepared to slow down significantly when coming up behind a slow-moving caravan of MoDOT striping trucks. The striping trucks move between 8 mph and 12 mph when work is underway.

BILLY JOE ROYAL TO PERFORM AT RODGERS THEATRE

Billy Joe Royal will be performing at the Rodgers Theatre in Poplar Bluff next week.

The show on September 4th will feature some of Royal’s biggest hits including Down in the Boondocks, Cherry Hill Park, and I Knew You When.

JR Rogers and the All Stars will also be appearing. Advance tickets are available for $15 by calling Tina at 573-614-0312. Tickets will also be available for $20 at the door.

FIRE REPORTED AT SAWMILL IN CARTER COUNTY

Authorities have contained a fire that broke out Wednesday at an area sawmill.

The fire was located at Anderson Sawmill near Garwood in Carter County.

Officials from multiple fire departments responded to help contain the blaze and no information was released on what the cause was. There has also not been any injuries reported.

SIKESTON POLICE SEARCHING FOR ALLEGED THIEF

Sikeston authorities are searching for a man in connection to an alleged theft at an area store.

According to Captain McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, a man entered Slusher’s Farm and Home on August 7th and stole an undisclosed amount of merchandise.

An employee said the man left without paying for the items and drove off in a gold colored Nissan Altima.

Pictures of the suspect are available on our Facebook page.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Sikeston DPS at 573-471-4711.

AREA CREDIT UNION PURCHASES SHIRTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND

The Poplar Bluff High School Sho-Me Band has new shirts thanks to the Ozark Federal Credit Union.

The Credit Union purchased 150 Neverland themed T-shirts for the band to wear this season.

According to Tim Krakowiak with the Poplar Bluff School District, Sho-Me Band Booster Club President Shelly Batton initially reached out to credit union officials, who said they were more than happy to oblige.

THREE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN $50 THROUGH TACO BELL PROGRAM

Three Poplar Bluff High School students recently won $50 each through a program sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens.

Participants were asked what they would do with $50 to spread cheer throughout their school or community.

Sophomore Katie Sliger said she would donate her winnings to the Mules Booster Club; junior Gene Greer III stated he would buy his schoolmates donuts; and sophomore Garret Hudson vowed to purchase books for the library.

A teacher also won a $50 gift card thanks to a student nomination for the “Tip your Teacher” contest.

Math teacher Hope Conover was nominated by a student who, according to the award letter, wrote: “Mrs. Conover is the best teacher you will ever meet. If you have a problem, she will always take the time out of her day to help you with whatever.”